Sunday 17 May 2026
- Hampstead Women's Club
- 8 hours ago
- 12 min read
Hello!
Welcome to this week's newsletter in which we give you all the latest updates, key highlights, and a look at what’s coming up next.
This week we’ll be walking from Aldgate to St Paul's, discuss The Master by Colm Tolbin at Book Club, have lunch at Carmel in Queens park, and listen to Surehka speak on financial wellbeing and some of the issues that are especially common to women. A little walking, a little reading, a little eating, a little learning — a perfectly balanced week!
Have you bought your ticket for our summer garden party yet?
With a gorgeous garden setting and a fully catered dinner, it’s set to be a wonderful evening. If you haven’t secured your spot yet, now’s the perfect moment. Your ticket helps us finalise catering numbers and make sure everything is beautifully prepared for a fabulous night together.
Have a great week,
Joyce
A Word From Our Incoming President
I would like to start by extending my heartfelt thanks to the outgoing members of the Executive Board, to Manisha our President, to Bridget our Secretary and to Michelle who is in charge of Hospitality. All of these women have worked tirelessly for the benefit of the club. They have given up their time, answered emails, responded to enquiries, managed events, discussed budgets, directed club policy, attended meetings, dealt with conflicts, celebrated successes, championed interest groups and done a thousand other things. And they have done all of this in their own time, unpaid and for the good of the club and it’s members. It’s important to remember that a volunteer club like ours relies on its membership to go the extra mile - and these three women have run a marathon. For that I extend the thanks not only of myself, but the club.
We have a great team next year. Some of our Executive Board who are staying on in their roles are: Susan who has done a sterling job as membership Vice President for the last two years, Jane who has been instrumental in getting the wonderful new website up and running this year, Joyce our Communications Vice President who puts out the most amazing newsletter every week and Marueen our Treasurer and numbers person who makes sure that the club continues on a sound financial footing. I am going to be relying on their wisdom, advice and experience next year. In addition, we welcome Helen as Programs Vice President to the board. She is a long time member of HWC and has run the Chicks N Flicks interest group for a number of years. She’s been quick to adapt to the new website, is highly organised, extremely approachable and a good friend to many in the club. I feel very confident that I am leaving Programs in the most capable of hands. In addition, we welcome Sian in the role of Hospitality, she is already planning the parties, events and meetings for next year. Her enthusiasm knows no bounds. She is a relatively new member of the club but has jumped in with gusto and attended many events on the HWC calendar. Last but not least, we welcome another new member to the board Charlotte as secretary. Charlotte has been a regular member of the HWC bookclub, where her contributions are always interesting, articulate and to the point. She’s an art teacher and the qualities of empathy, organisation and inclusion that she brings to her work as a teacher she will be bringing to the club. I am sure we will all benefit from them. It’s a wonderful team and I am honoured to be serving them and the club as President next year.
I have been a member of the club since 2012. I have served the club as Secretary, in the role of Hospitality, as Link Up co-ordinator and for the last three years as Programs Vice President. I have also helped Anne-Marie and Jan run bookclub, Talia run speaker’s series and have led Sip and Social. I have met hundreds of fantastic women and friends during my time in the club. I have seen it grow, develop and change over the years but the constant has been the sense of community it provides from the first handshake that I got from Susie Gregson in 2012 at my first Kick off Meeting, to being here 14 years later surrounded by a sea of friendly faces I have felt part of something special. I promise to nurture and protect that sense of community. I promise to make sure that there are plenty of activities on the calendar that are varied and interesting for our members, to continue to provide all the day time activities that our members have loved and enjoyed, but to add more weekend and evening activities for the growing number of our members who work.
In 2028 our club will be 50 years old. No one knows the exact date it was formed but we think it was late 70’s. I hope to form a sub-committee to plan a Gala Weekend to celebrate this milestone.
Thank you everyone for being here and being part of something special. Thank you to those who have led the club and who are stepping down this year, and thank you to those who are stepping up, but above all, thank you for being members of the club and creating this welcoming and inclusive community.
Claudine
Upcoming Events
Book Club - The Master on 18 May at 19:30 2 SPACES LEFT
Walkie-Talkies - Deptford on 25 May at 10:30
Book Share - Brad & Dills on 26 May at 14:00
Musicals - Please Please Me at Kiln Theater on 26 May at 19:30 1 TICKET LEFT
Arts & Antigues - Serpentine Galleries on 28 May at 11:00
Chicks n Flicks - Finding Emily on June 3 matinee NEW
Community - Age UK Tea at Henderson Court on 5 June at 13:10
Sip & Social - King William IV Pub on 8 June at 19:30
Theatre - Black Comedy at Orange Tree Theatre on 16 June at 20:00 1 TICKET LEFT
Speaker Series - My career in Dentistry by Diana on 17 June at 19:00
Evenings Out - Zoo Nights at London Zoo on 19 June at 18:00 NEW
Book Club - Caledonian Road on June 22 at 19:30
Click the button below for more details about What's On our activity calendar and to sign up.
If the sign up is full, there is often a wait list to which you can be added. Life is unpredictable and spots may open up nearer the time. If you signed up but cannot make it, please cancel it as soon as possible (via our website or Spaces App) so we can give your spot to someone who may be waiting.
Garden Party
Manisha's Garden in NW2
3 July 19:00 - 22:00
We’ll be gathering in a gorgeous garden setting for an evening of sunshine (hopefully), laughter (definitely), and a fully catered dinner that promises to be delicious from start to finish. All you need to bring is your brightest smile… and something pink. Pale pink, hot pink, floral pink, accidental‑laundry‑disaster pink — it all counts. Partners and non-members are welcome.
Ticket Prices (includes dinner & drinks) :
Board member £25
Regular member £30
Non-member/Partner £35
Sign up and buy your tickets online.
Arts & Antiques
Serpentine Galleries
Kensington Gardens
28 May at 11:00 - 13:00
The Serpentine Galleries are currently hosting highly praised, concurrent solo exhibitions by two major painters: Cecily Brown at Serpentine South and David Hockney at Serpentine North. Both shows invite viewers to slow down and immerse themselves in nature, utilising entire different visual language.
We will visit both exhibitions followed by a catch up at a local cafe. Join us!
Sign up online.
Book Club
The Master by Colm Tolbin still 2 places left!
members house in NW3
May 18th at 19:30
Caledonian Road by Andrew O'Hagan
members house in NW3
22 June at 19:30 (sign up opens 7 June)
Please vote for your top 15 books for us to discuss next year. The straw poll vote can be found here https://strawpoll.com/B2ZB9rMNxgJ . You can vote only once! The poll closes on the 1st June at 11pm. A list of the books to vote on and summaries of them can be found here https://claudinescomments.wordpress.com/2026/05/01/books-to-vote-on-for-2027/
Book Share
Brad & Dills
Rowland Hill St,NW3 2AQ
26 May from 14:00 – 15:30
Please join us for coffee and cake, and bring along a few of your favourite books to lend or swap. Each member is invited to bring up to three books they’ve enjoyed, and we’ll chat about our choices over a hot drink and cake before swapping them with one another.
Sign up online.
Chicks 'n' Flicks
Finding Emily
location tbc
3 June matinee
Time and location will be posted when cinemas announce their show times.
Looking for love and finding chaos. Angourie Rice and Spike Fearn star in FINDING EMILY, from the producers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Love Actually.
The Manchester-set charmer of a romantic comedy follows musician Owen, who's plunged into lovesick plight when he's given the wrong number for his dream girl. He teams up with a driven psychology student to find her, and together, they spark a hilarious, campus-wide frenzy that tests their own hearts and ambitions along the way.
Sign up online.
Community Outreach
Henderson Court
5 June from 13:15 - 15:00
Henderson Court is a daytime activity centre for the elderly run by Age UK Camden.
Please join us for an afternoon of cake and conversation with some of Hampstead older residents.
Sign up online.
Craft & Chat
Join us for craft and chat (and wine and cake!). People wishing to learn to knit or crochet welcome and materials will be provided for you to learn with. Check our calendar for upcoming events
Evenings Out
Zoo Nights at London Zoo
Outer Circle, Regents Park
19 June at 18:00 - 22:00
This will be our third annual trip to Zoo Nights at London Zoo. Friday nights in the summer are for adults only where there are food trucks, live music as well as lots of animals to visit, all in a relaxed setting. Feel free to bring a partner or friend.
Sign up online so we know you are coming.
Please buy your tickets (priced at £23.50 each) directly through this link, choosing the 19th June: https://www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/events/zoo-nights
Games Night
Join us for a fun evening filled with friendly competition as we play an array of board games. Don’t miss our next gathering—let’s keep the games rolling! No prior experience or expertise required - we play games that are easy to learn!
Check our calendar for upcoming events.
Hampstead Street Fair
Heath Street, Hampstead
5 July 12:00 - 17:00
Heath Street will be closed to traffic and will be lined with over 110 stalls selling artisan crafts, designer fashions, and international food and drink. Give yourself plenty of time.
We suggest you come hungry as this street food is to die for.
It's a fantastic day out for the whole family with entertainment for everyone including a funfair, the Sport Zone, and a Circus School for children. All this to a background of great live music on THE BIG STAGE - you may want to dance in the street!
Free entry.
HWC will have a stand at the fair. Come find us to say hello and help recruit new members.
Highlights of London
Trouping of the Colours: The Colonel's Review
6 June at 10:30
This event is full. Please contact Claudine at claudinee@yahoo.com to be placed on the waiting list.
Ladies Day at Royal Ascot
18 June at 12:30
This event is full.
Link Up
A casual and informal way for current and new members to get together, chat and socialise.
Check our calendar for upcoming events.
London Bites (formerly Pub Lunch)
Carmel Queen's park
Lonsdale Road, NW6
19 May at 12:30
London Bites meets up approx once a month to explore new and local restaurants. Carmel is a relaxed all-day restaurant and bar in the heart of Queen’s Park in London, which takes inspiration from the cuisines across the Eastern Mediterranean, creating an accessible, refined menu that seamlessly evolves from morning through to evening.
Sign up is full. Sign up to our waiting list.
Musicals
Please Please Me
Kiln Theatre
269 Kilburn High Rd, NW6 7JR
26 May 2026 at 19:30
Come see the critically acclaimed new musical, Please Please Me, about Brian Epstein and the Beatles. Playing locally at The Kiln Theatre, Please Please Me is the electrifying story of the hidden struggles of Brian Epstein – the unsung, gay legend and ‘Fifth Beatle’.
We can meet at the Kiln bar before for a pre-show drink and chat.
1 TICKET LEFT!
Pickleball
Royal Free Rec Club
Fleet Rd, London NW3 2QG
Wednesdays 13:00 - 14:30
Pickleball is a fast-growing, low-impact paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a small court with a low net, 2-4 players use solid paddles to hit a hollow, perforated plastic ball. It is accessible to all ages and skill levels, emphasising strategy, quick reflexes, and social interaction.
Sip & Social
King William IV Pub
77 Hampstead High St
8 June at 19:30
Sip & Social is a great and relaxed way of meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones. Feel free to order drinks and food (at your own cost) or just come for a chat and a catch up. If you are new to the club it is a great way of finding out what we have on offer and what we do as well as meeting some of the older members who are a wealth of advice and knowledge.
The month's Sip and Social will be held at King William IV in Hampstead. It is in the heart of Hampstead Village and a Hampstead institution. Their walls are dedicated to the people of Hampstead with over 100 portraits throughout the pub walls. They state that they offer the best Drink Deals in the village, along with serving award winning traditional pub food 7 days a week! We will have a table at the back of the pub in The Garden.
Sign up online.
Speaker Series
Making Sense of Money and How to Manage It
by Surehka
Member's home followed by MUST Wine Bar
20 May at 19:00
We generally meet at a member's house in NW3. The speaker will give a talk for half an hour followed by half an hour of discussion. We will then go to Must Wine Bar where management have given us discounts on food and wine.
This talk will be given by Surekha who will speak on financial wellbeing, and some of the issues that are especially common to women.
Sign up is full. Please join our waitlist if you are interested in attending.
My Career in Dentistry
by Diana
17 June at 19:00
Our ninth speaker series talk will be given by Diana who will present her career journey in dentistry, from being a just-qualified and inexperienced dental surgeon to a serial practice owner, overcoming impostor syndrome, and having fun!
Sign up online.
If there is a topic that you think you would like to talk about next year at Speaker's series please contact Claudine on claudinee@yahoo.com
Tennis
Globe Lawn Tennis Club
190A Haverstock Hill, NW3 2AL
Come join us for weekly tennis lessons at the Globe Tennis Club in Belsize Park. Coach led lessons combine warm ups, drills, cardio games and match play adjusted to meet the needs of each group. Whether you are new to tennis, a bit rusty or a regular player it's a great way to combine exercise with meeting fellow members!
Tues, Wed or Thurs from 10:00 to 11:30
Globe Lawn Tennis Club (190A Haverstock Hill, NW3 2AL)
Cost per term: £275 (11 sessions)
Intermediate – Tuesdays
Beginner – Wednesdays
Mixed – Thursdays
Theatre
Black Comedy
Orange Tree Theatre
16 June at 20:00
An uproarious piece of slapstick vaudeville!
Young sculptor Brindsley Miller is on the brink of success. He is expecting a visit from an influential art collector, whose approval could secure his future. He is determined to present himself as sophisticated and successful.
The problem? His flat is sparsely furnished, most of the contents borrowed without permission from his neighbour. But when a sudden power cut plunges the building into darkness, Brindsley sees an opportunity. In the absence of light, he believes his deception will go unnoticed. Unbeknownst to him, the audience can see everything.
As friends, rivals, lovers and unexpected guests arrive, the situation spirals rapidly out of control, and Brindsley’s desperate attempts to influence events only make matters worse.
Tickets are £53 pp
Sign up online. 1 TICKET LEFT
Walkie Talkies
Walkie Talkies is an interest group that meets up every Monday morning for walks and chats over coffee. The walks take place across London and we visit parks and interesting areas of London. If you would like to join the WhatsApp Walkie Talkies group, please contact Maria via email below.
25 May - Deptford
Meeting Point : 10:30 outside Deptford Bridge DLR station
Sign up opens 17th May
Wellness
Wellness meets up monthly for an event focused on nurturing our mind, body and spirit. Led by Dr. Summya, GP & wellness leader, this group is all about making health fun, friendly, and achievable.
See our calendar for upcoming events.
Men's Auxiliary of HWC
The Men's Auxiliary of HWC meets on one Thursday a month at a pub in Hampstead. To participate, have your partner text Patrick on 07827 604148 to join the WhatsApp group.
APPI Physio & Pilates
HWC is proud to partner with APPI Physio & Pilates!
All HWC members enjoy 15% off all services for the duration of their time at appi (excluding special offers and memberships).
FIWAL
FIWAL’s aim is to broaden friendship, understanding and communication amongst international women in London. Over the years, we have achieved this through FIWAL’s own events as well as the wonderful events organised by our members where all FIWAL Members have the opportunity to connect, share and celebrate. Besides the social value of these events, funds are often raised to assist with charitable causes relating to their homeland or their local communities here in the UK.
Click here to view their latest newsletter.
2025-26 Executive Board
President - Manisha Walia
Executive Vice President - Michele Higgins-Glazer
Vice President of Communications - Joyce Moeller
Vice President of Membership - Susan Kennedy-Scott
Vice President of Programs - Claudine Goldingham
Secretary - Bridget O’Donovan
Treasurer - Maureen Clark-Darby
Website Manager - Jane Talbot
Standing Committee Chairs/Co-Chairs
Arts & Antiques - Afsaneh Yasreby, Minoo Tuffield
Community Outreach - Caroline Smith, Sian Jones
Evenings Out - Marilyn Kendall, Louisa Martin, Pauline Seow-Hellinikakis
Highlights of London - Cathy Herbrand
Hospitality - Michele Higgins-Glazer
Link-Up - Pauline Seow-Hellinikakis
Theatre - Madeleine Hodgkin
Courtesy Reminder
If you are not able to attend an event for which you've signed up, whether it's a free or paid activity, please cancel your RSVP on our website or the Spaces App. Many of our activities have waiting lists, so no-shows and last-minute cancellations could prevent another member from participating. Thank you!